VFR minima (CARs 602.114/602.115)
Aeroplanes. Helicopters have lower day minima in uncontrolled airspace.
| Airspace | Flight visibility | Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled | 3 SM | 500 ft vertical, 1 SM horizontal |
| Uncontrolled, ≥1,000 ft AGL, day | 1 SM | 500 ft vertical, 2,000 ft horizontal |
| Uncontrolled, ≥1,000 ft AGL, night | 3 SM | 500 ft vertical, 1 SM horizontal |
| Uncontrolled, <1,000 ft AGL, day | 2 SM | Clear of cloud |
| Uncontrolled, <1,000 ft AGL, night | 3 SM | Clear of cloud |
Fuel reserves (CARs 602.88)
Plus fuel for taxi, delays, weather and an engine failure or depressurization at the critical point.
| Flight | Reserve after destination/alternate |
|---|---|
| VFR day (aeroplane) | 30 min at normal cruise |
| VFR night (aeroplane) | 45 min at normal cruise |
| VFR helicopter | 20 min |
| IFR propeller aeroplane | Approach + missed approach at destination, fly to alternate, then 45 min |
| IFR turbo-jet or helicopter | Same, then 30 min |
Alternate minima (CAP GEN, TAF available)
Use whichever is greater. 600-2 can slide to 700-1½ or 800-1; 800-2 to 900-1½ or 1000-1.
| Facilities | Ceiling-visibility |
|---|---|
| 2+ usable precision approaches (separate runways) | 400-1 or 200-½ above lowest HAT/vis |
| 1 usable precision approach | 600-2 or 300-1 above lowest HAT/vis |
| Non-precision only | 800-2 or 300-1 above lowest HAT/HAA/vis |
| GFA only | No cloud below 1,000 ft above lowest HAT/HAA, no CB, vis ≥3 SM |
⚠️ Reference only. Always verify against the manufacturer's specs, your jurisdiction's code and your site's procedures.